Solutions

FIRE DETECTION & ALARM

Fire Alarm Control Panels (FACP)

Fire alarm control panels (FACP) are the controlling component of a fire alarm system that enable faster response times, ease of use, and simplify maintenance. They perform several functions both before and during a fire event such as:

Main circuit board: Consists of the FACP's microprocessor, power supply, primary components, and wiring connections

GE-Ctrls has partnered with Honeywell, a reputed manufacturer of top-notch FACPs under their NOTIFIER and Fire-Lite brands, to bring to the Indian market their ONYX Series, Fire Warden Series, and NOTI-FIRE-NET Series of the 2 basic types of FACPs available today: conventional panels, addressable panels, and networking panels.

Conventional (also called Collective) FACPs

Conventional FACPs are ideal for small-sized buildings. Devices in each building zone are wired to the panel enabling it to identify which zone of detection equipment is triggered. However, as each zone is individually wired to the panel, integrated devices will become unresponsive if the circuit is broken. They also entail longer and more costly installation than addressable FACP.

Addressable FACPs

Addressable FACPs are ideal for medium- to large-sized buildings. Although more expensive, they are easier to install and more versatile in function. They pinpoint which component(s) of the fire alarm system have been activated, significantly narrowing the fire’s probable location. They connect all systems using an SLC loop with both ends terminating at the panel. Addressable FACPs are more reliable than conventional FACPs due to the fact that if one side of the wire is cut, loop isolation modules ensure the device can communicate with the panel.

Networked FACPs

Networked FACPs are ideal for high-rise buildings, huge building complexes and university campuses. Multiple panels are linked via a local/wide area network (LAN/WAN) enabling all integrated detection systems to be addressed and monitored from a single panel or monitoring station.

Find out if a Fire Alarm Control Panel is the best solution for your safety needs by contacting us today. Our team will work closely with you to analyze your needs and develop a customized integrated solution.

Fire Alarm Systems / Fire Detectors (Input Devices)

GE-Ctrls offer a wide range of fire alarm systems (detectors) from simple manual systems to complex and integrated ones to suit a variety of environments and fire hazards. Our team of experts will closely work with you to prepare a customized solution that meets your specific needs.

Two types of fire alarm system are currently in use:

Conventional

Analogue addressable

Conventional systems are the more cost-effective option and suitable for smaller buildings. They are essentially simple switches that are either "on" or "off". They cannot distinguish between a real fire and the various non-fire phenomena that can trigger an alarm such as tobacco smoke, dust and steam. The control panel is only able to indicate the zone or circuit that an activated (or faulty) detector is on, they cannot identify the individual device.

Addressable systems have constant two-way communication between the control panel and the detectors in the field. Each detection device on an analogue addressable system has its own unique address within the system and the control panel is able to identify each device individually in the case of a fire or a fault. The increased intelligence associated with analogue addressable systems allows for them to have greater sensitivity to fire with greater immunity to false alarms.

Point Heat Detectors

Fixed-temperature detectors are the most commonly used and cost-effective type of detector. They trigger an alarm when ambient temperatures reach a pre-programmed fixed point (for e.g., 58⁰C or 78⁰C).

Rate-of-Rise (ROR) detectors are an ideal solution if a more immediate response to an emerging fire event is necessary. As fires typically cause a rapid rise in temperatures, ROR detectors are programmed to trigger an alarm when the rate of increase in ambient temperature exceeds the pre-programmed rate (for e.g., 15°C per minute).

Combination detectors have both fixed and ROR detection capabilities which enables them to trigger an alarm prior to reaching its fixed point for rapid rates of rise in ambient temperature, providing a timely response to both rapid and slow temperature increases.

Linear Heat Detectors

Linear Heat Detectors (LHD) are fixed-temperature devices that can detect a fire anywhere along the length of its cable, and can be up to 10,000 feet (~3,000 meters) in length. LHDs are designed for use where traditional point heat detectors are unsuitable such in tunnels, conveyor belts, cable trays, multi-storey parking facilities, marine engine rooms, etc.

Features of Heat Detectors:

Conventional or addressable models

Wired or wireless models

Fixed-temperature, ROR, or combination models

Single- or dual-circuit mechanical models

Incorporate false alarm immunity

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors detect visible or invisible smoke particles and trigger an alarm. They come in two main types:

Ionization Smoke Detectors

Ionization smoke detectors react quickly to very small smoke particles from flaming or very hot fires, but may react slowly to dense smoke from smoldering fires. A radioactive source charges air inside a small chamber causing it to allow a small current to cross the chamber and close an electrical circuit. When smoke enters the chamber, it shields the radiation, which stops the current and triggers an alarm.

Photoelectric (Optical) Smoke Detectors

Photoelectric (optical) smoke detectors react quickly to visible smoke from smoldering fires, but are less sensitive to small smoke particles from flaming or very hot fires. The detector body contains a light source and light sensor arranged in such a way that light rays cannot directly hit the sensor. When smoke particles enter the light path, some light is scattered onto the sensor, causing it to trigger an alarm.

Optical Beam Smoke Detectors

Optical beam smoke detectors are ideal for detecting smoke across large areas where standard point smoke detectors are either uneconomical or restricted for use (e.g., due to higher ceilings). They work on the same operating principle as the photoelectric smoke detectors but by projecting a beam of light across a wider area.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Sensors

Carbon Monoxide (CO) sensors are sometimes built into smoke detectors. CO is an invisible, odorless gas that is a silent killer. Hence, such sensors are especially needed in sleeping facilities such as dormitories, hotels, and nursing homes.

Features of Smoke Detectors:

Conventional or addressable models

Wired or wireless models

2- or 4-wire models

Ionization, photoelectric, optical beam, and CO sensor models

Incorporate false alarm immunity

Flame Detectors

Flame detectors look for specific types of light (infrared, ultraviolet, visible) emitted by fuel and gas fires. Upon identifying such light from a fire, the detector sends a signal to trigger an alarm. These line-of-sight devices can operate over long distances (in excess of 100 meters) and also incorporate false alarm immunity.

Find out which Fire Detector Device is the best solution for your safety needs by contacting us today. Our team will work closely with you to analyze your needs and develop a customized stand-alone or integrated solution.

Fire Signaling (Output Devices)

GE-Ctrls offers a range of signaling devices that raise an alarm (audible or visible) in case of a fire emergency based on the trigger from the control panel. Examples of such devices:

Strobe Lights

Strobe lights produce regular and rapid flashes of high-intensity light that serve as high-visibility warning signals in the event of a fire emergency. They come in a variety of candela options.

Bells

Mechanical Bells are made from durable steel and produce loud resonant tones.

Horns

Horns produce a loud noise in the event of a fire event. Horn/Strobe combination devices are also available.

Find out which Fire Signaling Device is the best solution for your safety needs by contacting us today. Our team will work closely with you to analyze your needs and develop a customized stand-alone or integrated solution.